136
Pastoral Ministry
as seed dropped into good soil.—
The Review and Herald, March 11,
1902
.
Do not at first urge your peculiar views too strongly—Here is a
lesson for all our ministers, colporters, and missionary workers. When
you meet those, who, like Nathanael, are prejudiced against the truth,
do not urge your peculiar views too strongly. Talk with them at first of
subjects upon which you can agree. Bow with them in prayer, and in
humble faith present your petitions at the throne of grace. Both you and
they will be brought into a closer connection with heaven, prejudice
will be weakened, and it will be easier to reach the heart.—
Evangelism,
446
.
[133]
Bible Studies
Interest awakened by preaching should be followed up by vis-
itation and Bible studies—A minister may enjoy sermonizing; for it
is the pleasant part of the work, and is comparatively easy; but no min-
ister should be measured by his ability as a speaker. The harder part
comes after he leaves the desk, in watering the seed sown. The interest
awakened should be followed up by personal labor,—visiting, holding
Bible readings, teaching how to search the Scriptures, praying with
families and interested ones, seeking to deepen the impression made
upon hearts and consciences.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:255
.
Ministers’ wives may give Bible studies as successfully as their
husbands—There are ministers’ wives, Sisters Starr, Haskell, Wilson
and Robinson, who have been devoted, earnest, whole-souled workers,
giving Bible readings and praying with families, helping along by
personal efforts just as successfully as their husbands.—
Manuscript
Releases 21:360
.
Friendship Soulwinning
The church succeeds when members seek out friends and
tell their personal experience with Jesus—The atmosphere of the
church is so frigid, its spirit is of such an order, that men and women
cannot sustain or endure the example of primitive and heaven-born
piety. The warmth of their first love is frozen up, and unless they are
watered over by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, their candlestick will